Thomas (Tom) Paul Baker, 71, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at David Simpson Hospice House in Euclid, OH, four months after being diagnosed with cancer.
He was born on October 16, 1952 in Conneaut, Ohio to Hal C. and Jean (Pape) Baker. He was a graduate of Conneaut High School, class of 1971, and a long time employee of General Electric Conneaut Base Plant where he served as both union steward and union president.
He married Nancy Punkar on October 15, 1977. In his earlier years, he was a talented song-writer, expressing his sentiments eloquently in melody and lyrics. Above all, Tom was a family man. His daughter, Hallie, was the light of his life. His proudest moment and greatest accomplishment was being the manager of Conneaut's 1999 Senior League softball team, which placed 3rd in the Senior League World Series in Kalamazoo, Michigan. More recently, he had shown that same love and pride to his grandsons, Joshua and Leiv, who affectionately called him "Gramps". A favorite pastime was getting together with his dad, brothers and nephews to share a beer and lots of laughs. His brothers, Rick and Scott, remained his best friends throughout his life. When Tom's parents needed help in their later years, he was always there to provide assistance. His entire family will miss him dearly.
Tom is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughter Hallie (Mike) Goldstein and grandsons Joshua and Leiv of Orange, OH, brothers, Rick (Lori) Baker of Erie, PA and Scott (Cindy) Baker of Conneaut, OH and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hal C. and Jean Baker, and by his younger sister, Shelly, in childhood.
A private cremation service for the family was held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Home in Geneva, Ohio. The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of Hospice of the Western Reserve, both for their home care services and for their outstanding care of Tom during his final days at the David Simpson Hospice House. Memorial donations may be made to David Simpson Hospice House online at:
https://p2p.onecause.com/donateonetime/donate
or by check to 300 E. 185th St., Euclid, OH 44119.
Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services assisted with the funeral arrangements, 1500 Harpersfield Rd. Geneva, OH., 44041. 440-361-2273.
www.lakeeriecrematory.com